The direct barbell math
185 lb is a common jump between 135 lb and 225 lb. Each sleeve needs 70 lb, which is usually one 45 and one 25.
Plate Count Answer
What plates do I need for 185?
What plates do I need for 185? → one 45 lb plate and one 25 lb plate on each side of a 45 lb bar. Get the exact plates per side, bar type, and the math behind it. Stop guessing at the rack.
Direct Answer
What plates do I need for 185? is one 45 lb plate and one 25 lb plate on each side of a 45 lb bar. Load 45 + 25 lb per side.
185 lb - 45 lb bar = 140 lb plates; 140 / 2 = 70 lb per side
135 lb
45 per side
One plate
185 lb
45 + 25 per side
One plate plus quarter
225 lb
45 + 45 per side
Two plates
Why lifters phrase it this way
Lifters usually talk about plates per side because a normal barbell is loaded symmetrically. When someone says “three plates,” they normally mean three large plates on the left sleeve and three matching plates on the right sleeve.
When this answer changes
The total changes if the bar is not 45 lb, if you are using kg plates, if collars are counted, or if the gym uses specialty bars such as trap bars, safety squat bars, or short technique bars.
Frequently asked questions
Does the bar count in the total?
Yes. Barbell totals include the bar. If you ignore the bar, every plate calculation will be off by 45 lb, 20 kg, or whatever your actual bar weighs.
How much is 1 45 plates on each side?
If you mean one 45 lb plate on each side, the total is 135 lb on a standard 45 lb bar.
Is this plates per side or total plates?
These answers use the normal gym convention: plates per side. Two plates means two plates on each sleeve, not two plates total.
Need a custom number?
Use the live calculator when your bar weight, unit, or plate inventory is different.
Related answers
Plate Count Answer